Liverpool v Manchester City Match Report

Liverpool secured their trip to Wembley with a 3-2 (agg) win over Manchester City in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Defender Jose Enrique nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute just eight yards from the goal but City’s Joe Hart had a fantastic save. Liverpool continued to make Hart work early in the game with a shot by Charlie Adam and in the 20th minute, an attempt by Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy tried yet again only a few minutes later only to be caught offside.

Nigel De Jong instead opened the scoring with a Manchester City goal with a brilliant curl into the net, giving keeper Pepe Reina no chance.

Liverpool responded immediately bringing the ball back to City’s half but yet again they were denied by Hart. Nothing would come from the corner they were given.

But Liverpool came back. Micah Richards hit the ball with his arms in the box from a Daniel Agger shot, giving Liverpool a penalty. Captain Steven Gerrard comfortably took it and brought the Reds back five minutes before halftime.

Liverpool continued the fight in the second half. A sneaky attempt by Martin Skrtel had Joe Hart scrambling but the keeper managed to save it. Bellamy could have added to the scoreline but missed the chance by mis-kicking. Instead, Dzeko did just that for City after a superb pcross from Kolarov and firing at close range in the 67th minute.

The Reds wanted it more. Bellamy finally got it past Hart after a great pass from Dirk Kuyt from the left and a quick pass with Glen Johnson. Immediately Liverpool tried for another but Kuyt just headed it wide.

Any effort by Manchester City after that was dealt with finely by the Liverpool defense. Bellamy was replaced by defender Martin Kelly with a couple minutes to go in an effort to keep the score the way it is.

And with that...Liverpool are Wembley bound to face Cardiff City in the final.

Liverpool v Manchester City Match Report

Liverpool won 1-0 over Manchester City tonight at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-finals.

The first half saw a lively Liverpool against a lackluster Manchester City. Andy Carroll could have opened the scoring five minutes into the match, but a delay in taking a shot allowed Manchester City keeper Joe Hart enough time to deny it.

Captain Steven Gerrard also took his chance five minutes later when again Hart blocked his low attempt.

But a couple minutes later, defender Daniel Agger was fouled inside the box by City's Stefan Savic. The Blues' defender kicked too high and into the knee of Agger, granted the Reds a penalty which Gerrard took and put past Hart into the bottom left corner of the net.

City striker Mario Balotelli, who only just returned from beingout with an ankle injury, took a free kick after a tumble with Liverpool's Charlie Adam. The Italian was obviously angry after Adam tapped his head before getting up, and he took his shot right into the wall.
Sami Nasri replaced Balotelli just before halftime and took the best chance for City in the first half with a shot from outside the penalty area.
Manchester City woke up in the second half. Nasri, Aguero and Micah Richards all gave keeper Pepe Reina a workout in the first 15 minutes.

Despite City dominating possesion in the second half, they failed to score with any of their chances. Nasri tried his luck again 20 yards out but it went flying over the bar. the Blues made sure that Reina continued to stay plenty busy.

Manager Kenny Dalglish substituted Craig Bellamy in the 80th minute with defender Jamie Carragher, with an aim to keep the Blues at bay.

A scuffle between Carragher and Nasri would see them both get the only yellow cards of the game. Nasri seemed to have went to head butt the Reds defender after Carragher furiously blocked his attempt at getting the ball.

Although Manchester still pushed for that equalising goal, creating several chances and close calls, Liverpool were the ones to walk away in victory.

The second leg is to be played at Anfield on the 25th of January.

Liverpool v Manchester City Match Preview

Liverpool will be battling Manchester City tonight for a crucial three points at Anfield.

The Merseyside Reds will have a lot to prove as they have been unable to beat the Blues of Manchester in their last four meetings. If Liverpool fail to pull off a win, their hopes of clinching a Champions League spot will definitely be gone.

Manchester City have suffered in away form though so far in 2011, a weakness Liverpool will indeed pounce on.

The Reds have been unlucky with injuries this season, including captain Steven Gerrard’s groin injury which will see him out for the rest of the season. Daniel Agger will also see the sidelines for the rest of the season with knee problems. Manager Kenny Dalglish’s choices for the back will be limited with Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson also out with hamstring. Fabio Aurelio remains in doubt.

Roberto Mancini’s side is not enduring much luck either. Kolo Toure was suspended earlier in the season by failing a drugs test, Shay Given’s shoulder is still on the mend, and Jerome Boateng is out for the remainder of the season as well after undergoing knee surgery.

A win for Manchester City would put them in third place, one point above Chelsea and ten points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Three points for Liverpool would keep them in sixth place, but still in contention for that highly desired Europe placement while closing the gap on fifth place Tottenham.

Kick-off is at 8pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.